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Understanding Credit Scores
Learn what credit scores measure, which behaviors tend to help or hurt, and how to review your credit reports for accuracy.
Author: OnPoint Education Team · Published 2026-08-20 · Updated 2026-09-15 · OnPoint Community Credit Union
What a credit score summarizes
A credit score is a number lenders may use to estimate the risk of lending to you. Scores are based on information in your credit reports, such as payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used. Different scoring models can produce different numbers for the same person.
Habits that usually help
Paying on time, keeping credit card balances low relative to limits, and only applying for credit you need are common ways people strengthen their profiles over time. Closing old accounts or opening many new ones in a short period can have mixed effects; focus first on reliable, on-time payments.
Check your reports for errors
You can request free credit reports from the nationwide consumer reporting companies through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review accounts, balances, and personal information for mistakes, and follow the dispute process if something looks wrong.
How this helps OnPoint members
This education article is published by OnPoint Community Credit Union (also known as OnPoint Credit Union / OnPointCU) for people banking in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Pair what you learn with calculators, rates, and products—then manage accounts through OnPoint login.
Sources
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